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Volume 8, Issue 1, 2026
Online ISSN: 2637-2614
ISSN: 2637-2150
Volume 8 , Issue 1, (2026)
Published: 29.05.2026.
Open Access
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Contents
30.05.2025.
Original scientific paper
ENHANCING INSURANCE SERVICES IN SERBIA WITH APPLICATION OF THE SERVQUAL MODEL
This paper tries to highlight the importance of identifying dimensions of service quality and their impact on the satisfaction and loyalty of users of services provided by insurance companies in the Republic of Serbia. The focus of the study is on analyzing the key parameters of service quality and user satisfaction. The aim of the paper is to investigate the differences between expected and perceived characteristics of insurance services based on the Servqual model. The total sample in this research is 112 respondents. The specific objectives are the analysis of the differences in the ratings of the dimensions of the expected and observed attributes of the Servqual scale in relation to socio-demographic variables, such as gender, age and level of education. Based on the results of empirical research, it was concluded that all service quality parameters play a key role in user satisfaction. The results show that the five basic dimensions of Servqual – tangibility, reliability, accountability, security and empathy – have a significant and positive association with overall perceived service quality
Jelena Premović, Marko Pavlović, Marijana Milunović
30.05.2025.
Original scientific paper
ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE INHABITANTS OF SERBIA ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS TECHNOLOGIES
This study provides a new perspective on trust in artificial intelligence (AI), examining people's attitudes toward trust in the use of AI systems in particular. The aim of this study is to examine attitudes and to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence (AI). Also, in addition to the empirical part, this paper also deals with theoretical knowledge about artificial intelligence, which is the basis of the existing literature. For the purposes of this research, the authors created a survey based on secondary sources. The survey was conducted on the entire territory of Serbia. The subject of this work is the examination of the attitudes and knowledge of the inhabitants of Serbia about artificial intelligence as well as its technologies, which focuses on a deeper understanding of the perceptions and attitudes of the public in Serbia about artificial intelligence.
Biljana Tešić, Marko Pavlović
30.05.2025.
Original scientific paper
ANALYSIS OF MARINE FUEL OIL PURIFIER EFFICIENCY, CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS FOUND IN THEM
Ensuring the proper operation of a ship’s propulsion system necessitates the use of high-quality fuels. Several factors contribute to fuel quality, including the source of origin crude oil, refining methods, blending processes, and the quality of storage and distribution. Marine fuels must adhere to international standards such as ISO standards to be suitable for consumption on ships.
This article presents an analysis of over 6000 fuel samples obtained from two sample points within a purification system, conducted by independent laboratories. While all samples must meet the ISO 8217:2017 Standard for marine residual fuel before bunkering, this analysis focuses on elements with potentially harmful effects on marine engine systems. A comprehensive examination will be conducted, employing an inductive method to draw general conclusions about the current levels of abrasive impurities and other detrimental elements in fuels post-purification.
Specific attention will be given to elements like aluminium, silicon, vanadium, calcium, magnesium, lead, nickel, potassium, sodium, zinc, and phosphorus present in residual fuel oils. These elements, in certain forms or concentrations, pose challenges to marine engines. Testing conducted according to the IP 501 standard, utilizing inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry, is essential to ensuring smooth engine operation and mitigating damages and associated costs caused by abrasive fines in the fuel oil.
Miroslav Vukičević, Zdravko Ikica, Boris Hrnčić, Vladan Vuković
28.11.2025.
Original scientific paper
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF BLACKTHORN AND RED CHERRY EXTRACTS IN NATURAL SAUSAGE CASINGS
This study explores the use of natural plant extracts as a sustainable method to enhance the quality and safety of long-life sausages by incorporating them into natural edible casings. Ethanol (E) and aqueous (A) extracts of blackthorn (BT) and red cherry (RC), as well as their ethanol and water-based solutions, were prepared and analysed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The analyses included the quantification of total phenols, non-flavonoids, flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins, along with antioxidant activity assessments using FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica) and mold Penicillium expansum via agar dilution methods to determine MIC and MBC/MFC.
Results showed that ethanol extracts had higher antioxidant activity than aqueous ones (p<0.05), with the ethanol extract of blackthorn (EBT) containing the highest levels of phenolics (54.11 mg GAE/g d.e.) and exhibiting the strongest antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. Casings treated with EBTE (ethanol BT extract dissolved in ethanol) demonstrated significant antibacterial properties, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. This study confirms that plant-extract-enriched natural casings can protect against oxidation and microbial spoilage, thereby enhancing the overall quality and safety of dry-cured sausages.
Ana Velemir, Snježana Mandić, Aleksandar Savić, Ljiljana Topalić-Trivunović, Danica Savanović
30.04.2024.
Original scientific paper
MARKETING STRATEGIES IN RECRUITING AND TRAINING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF SPORTS COMPETITIONS
The study paper’s focus is on establishing the connection between marketing initiatives and the strategy used by numerous volunteers to plan sporting events. The manager of the volunteer sector is responsible for assembling a project team and overseeing the recruiting, selection, training, deployment, supervision, and coordination of volunteers while they work as volunteers at major sporting events. The greatest candidates for this position are coordinators for the volunteer sector who have experience as volunteers, as they can inspire others to perform selfless volunteer work. Research has shown that in order to effectively oversee 800 unpaid employees, someone must first build a direct relationship with them—something that can only be done in the event that there are a significant number of trained coordinators. Additionally, it is essential to heavily publicize the volunteer contest and emphasize the advantages that volunteers obtain by taking part in order to attract a big number of participants. In addition to the aforementioned, well-planned, organized, intricate, and gradual preparation that begins several months prior to the competition is required to prepare a big number of volunteers for high-quality and committed involvement at a sporting event. After receiving top-notch training, volunteers can serve in any area of the competition. Additionally, volunteers who have previously taken part in a well-run sporting event typically return to sports volunteering multiple times. Ultimately, the paper’s set hypothesis—which related to the contention that there is a positive connection between marketing initiatives, sports event organization, and the approach of volunteers.
Boris Latinovic, Bojana Ostojić, Biljana Ilić, Milutin Pećić, Obrad Čabarkapa
30.04.2024.
Original scientific paper
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: EFFECTS ON SOCIETY, THE ECONOMY, AND ITS REGULATION
The beginnings of artificial intelligence are linked to 1956 and the Dartmouth conference organized by Stanford University. From those beginnings until the end of the 20th century, its development was relatively slow due to hardware and software limitations. However, the 21st century brings a turning point in every sense. ln the 21st century, there was also a division into specialized artificial intelligence, which was primarily developed in the 20th century, and general artificial intelligence, on which the focus of development has been placed in recent decades. The positive economic effects of the adoption of artificial intelligence, according to the conducted research, are unequivocal. The effects on individuals and humanity are significantly more open to discussion. Almost half of the respondents in the conducted research are not in favor of accepting artificial intelligence for private purposes, and the other half is almost equally divided between those who do not have an opinion on this issue and those who are not against its acceptance. About 70% of respondents believe that artificial intelligence can become a threat to humanity and the mental health of individuals. At the same time, the majority of respondents do not see challenges in their employment. As a solution, the respondents see a clear and strict regulation of the development and possibilities of artificial intelligence itself. Institutions of the society we live in and companies that develop artificial intelligence are seen as responsible for this regulation. A real step in this direction was taken by the European Union with the adoption of the Act on Artificial Intelligence in March 2024. What is expected is that this example of the EU will be followed by other countries, which would ensure the correct development and use of artificial intelligence for the general benefit of humanity, which it should serve.
Darko Vaselić, Nikola Vojvodić, Jelena Jovović
30.04.2024.
Short scientific paper
BLOCKCHAIN IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
In this paper, we explore the potential of blockchain technology to enhance public administration efficiency in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Facing challenges in communication and service delivery between the government and its citizens, our research investigates how blockchain can provide solutions. We employed questionnaires to gather citizens' opinions and conducted a comparative analysis of best practices from countries that have successfully implemented blockchain in public sectors. This approach allows us to identify specific areas where blockchain, particularly through smart contracts and hybrid networks, can improve efficiencies and outcomes. Blockchain technology, known for its decentralization, transparency, and security features, shows promise in several sectors, including finance, cryptocurrency, business support, and law, offering substantial benefits. Our analysis suggests that by adopting similar strategies, Bosnia and Herzegovina can address many current issues undermining public administration effectiveness. Our findings, based on citizens' feedback and international case studies, indicate that the existing system falls short in efficiency, underscoring the need for innovative solutions like blockchain to enhance public service delivery. We acknowledge potential challenges in implementation, such as technological infrastructure, legal frameworks, and socioeconomic considerations. Despite these hurdles, our research presents a compelling case for blockchain technology as a means to facilitate more effective communication and services between the government and its citizens. We conclude with recommendations for adopting blockchain technology in Bosnia and Herzegovina's public administration, supported by our comparative analysis and questionnaire insights. Additionally, we suggest areas for future research to continue exploring the transformative potential of blockchain in public services
Nikola Novaković, Davor Radivojević
30.04.2024.
Short scientific paper
ATTITUDES OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USERS ON THEIR IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE, WORK, AND MENTAL HEALTH
The digital technological revolution began in the second half of the last century. Its development in the first decades after the discovery of the transistor was rather slow. Acceleration and a wider awareness of the possibilities began to spread after the introduction of the Internet. And then the last two decades brought rapid development of digital technologies and general acceptance in private and business life. The benefits for individuals, companies, institutions and society as a whole are enormous and unquestionable. Nevertheless, bearing in mind the conducted studies on the degree of digitization of certain areas of society and certain countries, it is considered that the potential is huge. And significant breakthroughs supported by artificial intelligence are still expected. However, in addition to the undoubted benefits, there are also certain negatives, which are not sufficiently clarified or which are often obscured. Therefore, this paper aimed to determine the attitudes of the users themselves towards digital technologies, and in its last part, it examined the existence of negative effects on the mental health of users of digital technologies. The results are expected in the part of the examination of the benefits arising from the use of digital technologies. The existence of negative effects on the health of users is not a surprise either. The surprise is the degree of negative impact and lack of corrective action by the user. In other words, users are aware of the negatives that arise from, primarily, the excessive use of digital technologies, but they still do almost nothing to reduce these negative consequences.
Darko Vaselic, Ljubica Janjetović
30.04.2024.
Review scientific paper
PROBLEM TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS
Observed from the school education system, it can be said that the entire educational activity should respect the needs and possibilities of each student and develop his potential to the maximum. In parallel with the development of students' potential, the students' needs for everyday coping and solving problem situations also grow. Contemporary views on students' acquisition of knowledge and skills in mathematics teaching is learning through inquiry and problem solving. In this paper, we will answer the question whether the application of problem-based teaching makes the teaching of mathematics interesting for students. We will examine how students, parents and teachers think, to what extent the application of problem-based learning, teaching and problem solving in mathematics classes makes mathematics teaching interesting for students, from the perspective of students, parents and teachers.
Slađana Lolić
29.11.2024.
Original scientific paper
ADVANCING PLANT METABOLISM ANALYSIS: A REAL – TIME OPTICAL APPROACH, INSIGHTS FROM VRIESEA CARINATA WAWRA
Optical detection of plant stress in real-time is crucial as it enables timely interventions to mitigate potential damage. This study presents a detailed evaluation of a system that detects changes in plant metabolism in real-time by distributing optical signals across the leaf. The methodology facilitates continuous monitoring of changes in the optical properties of plant leaves through measurements of optical transmission coefficients using a 665 nm LED light signal, thereby recording the circadian rhythm over time. Given that the photosynthetic processes within the leaves are closely linked to the plant’s overall health, this system can detect stress caused by various factors and identify metabolic changes by analysing the circadian rhythm patterns of the observed plants.
For inducing metabolic changes, the plant Vriesea carinata Wawra, a verified representative of dual metabolism, was subjected to high light intensity stress. To validate the method, the collected results were compared with data obtained through chemical methods to establish a correlation between the traditional, destructive method and the non-destructive, optical method.
The findings successfully identify circadian rhythms as parameters for recognizing changes in plant metabolism, demonstrating the significance of the proposed method in researching plant physiology through the optical identification of biological processes.
Sara V. Ristić, Miloš S. Mošić, Marija M. Petković Benazzouz, Stefan Lekić, Katarina Miletić